NEWSLETTER
I’m gonna have to remember how to do the Enhanced Box Score today! That’s basically me every single Opening Day, and this will be my 13th(!) season doing them. Holy smokes I’m old.
• On Opening Night eve, the Mets capitulated and brought up their “final” offer to Francisco Lindor, reaching the $341 million figure he’d been seeking, so as to top the recently-signed Fernando Tatis, Jr. deal. As Ken Rosenthal points out, the final deal included added deferrals that reduce the present value to just about the 10-year, $325 million the Mets had already offered. But Lindor got his number, and topped Tatis by exactly $1 million in the headlines.
• What’s the impact for the free agent class? Well, aside from taking Lindor off the market – as soon as he was traded to the Mets, no one really expected him to reach free agency – it’s conceivable it raises the floor for all the top shortstops in the class. What we’ll come to find out is whether Lindor’s shockingly large deal is just a continuation of the trend that the guys at the very tip-top of the market are seeing their price tags explode while the rest languish, or whether it’s a sign that teams and players are expecting much more spending after the next CBA. If it’s the former, a guy like Javy Báez might still not be able to expect $120 million+ even after a tremendous 2021 season. If it’s the latter, then Báez would definitely be right to pass on extension offers below nine figures right now and bet on himself. If prices are truly about to explode, then a great 2021 season for Báez could put his free agent price tag at a level we are currently not thinking possible.
• OK, cool, thanks for the update:
The #Cubs and Anthony Rizzo are not moving toward a new contract with less than 5 hours remaining before first pitch, source says. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 1, 2021
• Jed Hoyer said he was “very confident” a deal would eventually get done with Rizzo, but he also definitely did not suggest it would happen today or tomorrow or even before the end of the season.
• I gotta tell you, whether with respect to Báez or Rizzo or Kris Bryant, I’m really not looking forward to wondering when we will start seeing midseason trade rumors about those guys because extensions aren’t done. I’ll cover whatever is out there, obviously, but trade rumors are supposed to be kinda fun and exciting. Those … would not be.
• … so just win a crapton of games in April, May, and June, Cubs! Do it for me!
• Cubs are back:
Welcome home. #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/EWdI2kRdDZ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 1, 2021
• With some new flags for Cubs Hall of Famers and postseason appearances:
As we welcome fans back to the Friendly Confines, be sure to look up!
The flags on the Wrigley Field roof will now honor Cubs Hall of Famers and postseason appearances. #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/6TXrkp3aGY
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 31, 2021
• The new outfielders get a little instruction on the peccadillos of Wrigley Field:
A lot to learn about Wrigley Field before 162. pic.twitter.com/RcPZZETVJb
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 1, 2021
• In addition to the broadcasters ditching the suits and ties, Marquee also listened to the fans on the scorebug – it’s moving to the top left.
• This spring’s best OH GOD NO moment, it turns out, was new Cubs back-up catcher Tony Wolters – sorry about your nugs, Tony:
OH GOD NO pic.twitter.com/dAWi2wFjIr
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 14, 2021
• A profile on Jason Heyward, who is a critical part of this team in so many ways:
Jason Heyward opens up to @M_Montemurro on pressures of living up to his contract, Joe Maddon vs. David Ross, and giving back to his new hometown. "I feel like it’s just my time, my responsibility." https://t.co/WkMaVBuHNB
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) March 31, 2021
• Great vaccination news:
This happened very quickly. And more and more teams are expecting to hit that 85% number, according to sources.
Some pitchers have their vaccination scheduled for the day after their first start. By the middle of April, a majority of people in MLB should have at least one shot. https://t.co/DqwSOHgtC7
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 31, 2021
• Win some free stuff:
HAPPY OPENING DAY! I have a handful of these left and want to giveaway whatever remains. To enter, retweet this, follow @obvious_shirts and @BleacherNation and comment #cubtogether below! Winners announced Saturday! pic.twitter.com/a0SRwJ2zlq
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) April 1, 2021
• Harry knows:
"Boy, anybody who doesn’t get excited about the opening game of the season, something must be wrong with them." – Harry Caray#OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/53ErN4zUiP
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 1, 2021
• A no-brainer offer from DK for those who want to play:
NO-BRAINER offer from DK. If you bet $1, you can win $100 as long as the Cubs don't get no-hit: https://t.co/xjH3RAl0R1
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) April 1, 2021
